Individuals who would like to maintain a certain amount of flexibility within their lives can take advantage of an outpatient rehab whenever they need rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient rehab will allow for the treatment client to take part in rehabilitation services without the commitment one would usually have to consent to within an inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program. This doesn't always work in the treatment client's favor however, particularly for those individuals who need to address significant drug abuse problems. So while an outpatient rehab might appear to be an opportune possibility, it isn't for everybody. Those who do choose an outpatient rehab will ordinarily take part in meetings and take part in counseling and treatment services part-time every day or a few days a week. This can be very helpful for many who have recently completed an even more comprehensive inpatient or residential program as a good aftercare or maintenance step, or for someone with only a brief history of substance abuse which is usually a very small number of clients. For a person with more significant addiction and dependency issues, inpatient or residential alcohol and drug rehab facilities which provide rehab over a long-term basis are going to be the more effective rehabilitation choice.